Humility

"My city on the map, there is no other option like a slow quarterback..."


Wale - Work


The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the league...and they get the job done night in and night out flying seemingly under the radar.


Go Mode


There is no time like the present for the Thunder. They are quite arguably one of the more entertaining clubs to watch, and their 30-8 record makes them statistically the 2nd best next to the Chicago Bulls. 
Last week during their stay in Philadelphia, I took time to get a better understanding of their humble superstar Kevin Durant.


First I spoke with Royal Ivey, and then KD:


AXG: You're wearing the Nike Zoom KD IV...you're with Nike now?


Ivey:  Yeah, KD got me a deal...and I wear his shoes.


AXG:  The Thunder losing last year to Dallas is in my opinion the best thing to happen to y'all.


Ivey:  You're right! We can't wait for the playoffs to start, we're so hungry right now!


AXG:  You mentioned how the lockout games helped you win the All Star MVP.


Durant:  It gave me confidence playing in those games. I was trying a lot of different stuff, and once you try stuff in a game setting, it's easier to try it in a real game, so moves I was trying then...became muscle memory in my mind with the moves I'm doing now. 


AXG:  Did you really take Mega Bus during the summer from NYC to DC?


Durant:  Yeah I did, and it was a long trip too!


AXG:  How is it that you can stay so humble?


Durant:  That's the type of person that I am. No matter what, whatever happens...I always gotta be humble, and know that at any point this can be taken away.


AXG:  You always have your mother and family around supporting you.


Durant:  Like I told you, when I was growing up, I didn't think none of this would happen. My goal was to make it to the NBA, and I had my sights set on making it to the NBA, and once I did I was like cool...whatever happens after this is a bonus. The stuff that's going on for me right now...I'm just so blessed to be in this position. First of all to have people believe in me, every single night, and to showcase my skills, and have teammates that believe in me, they trust in me. But to become an All Star, and to win an All Star MVP...that's just like on a whole other level for me man. It's a blessing, so having my mom there is like we're going through this together. It was just me, mother, my brother, and my dad living in an apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, and to go from that so quickly to this...I was 18 living in a 2-bedroom apartment, with my mom, my dad, and my brother, and months later I was in the NBA, and 5-years later I'm an All Star MVP so stuff is coming quickly, and I never expected it.


This is just the beginning for Oklahoma City, and their budding star Kevin Durant.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Anthony Gilbert/AXG

28,000 and counting

"Trying to escape my trouble..."

Jay-Z - Politics As Usual

The 66-game shortened NBA season is a week old, but it's too early to do an in depth analysis. There have been some major changes in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, however the new year will certainly bring excitement, and surprise in the upcoming months.

Consistency

On New Year's Eve the Lakers outlasted the Nuggets 92-89 as Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup after sitting out 4-games due to a suspension that carried over from the playoffs. He played well scoring 29-points while securing 13-rebounds, Derek Fisher made the ultimate hustle play that saved the game and could have more than likely set the tone for the season.

With all the changes to the Lakers; Coach Mike Brown, Metta World Peace, and the Lamar Odom trade to Dallas, one thing has remained the same, and that is Kobe Bryant. Just when it seems that his reign as one of the best players in the league will come to a close, he continues to move forward, playing through injury, change, and milestones.

Sunday night in the second game of a back-to-back against the Nuggets he struggled early and never shook off the shooting woes as Denver won 99-90, finishing the game on an 11-0 run.

Bryant entered the contest needing only 4-points to become the youngest player to reach the 28K plateau, which he achieved on a free-throw at the 10:43 mark of the 3rd quarter. He now stands at 6th in all-time scoring, and will need 584-points to eclipse the next closest player, Shaquille O'Neal.

The saga continues tonight as the Lakers host the Rockets at the Staples Center. 

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

America's Team

"Walk inside the lion's den...take everybody's chips, about to cash them in..."

Nas - Success

Mother's Day, 2011 - Los Angeles is swept out of the playoffs, and it was Dallas that provided a glimpse into their imminent achievement.

Teamwork

The Mavericks are the NBA champions, and while a lot of people thought the series would go in a different direction...it was the total team effort that delivered the Mavs their first title in franchise history. Perhaps it was the star power and top billing of the Heat that over shadowed their stellar play...nonetheless, the 3-point shooting, rebounding, and zone defense allowed Dallas to split the first pair of games, and then travel home to capture 2 of 3...setting the stage for the105-95 win in Game 6.

Jason Terry was the catalyst for everything the Mavs were able to do in the final game, while Dirk Nowitziki, was the constant throughout the series...playing through a sinus infection, fractured finger, and ridicule. In the end, his team laughed last, leaving south Florida with the agony of defeat.

I doubt that I will ever fully comprehend Miami's lack of aggressiveness in the deciding game, however I will give full credit to the Mavericks' defense, and to the victor go the spoils.

My only concern at this moment is an NFL and NBA lockout...which of course is a horse of a different color.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo:  Mark Ralston/AFP PHOTO

Déjà vu

"I had to perilously face the danger..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

Watching Game 4 on Tuesday night left me with a familiar feeling...it was as if I've seen pieces of this contest before.

Redemption

Dirk Nowitziki once again carried his team to victory, as the Mavericks edged Miami 86-83 to tie the series at 2-2. Nowitziki scored, rebounded, and defended in the 4th quarter, pouring 10 of his 21-points, which included a driving lay-up with seconds left in the period. 

In Game 2, he was able to turn it on, as well as score a high percentage shot with a few ticks to go on the clock that lead to a Dallas win. Throughout the playoffs, the Mavs have made a habit of mounting great comebacks in a stunning fashion. 

What stood out more in my mind, was the duress that Dirk Nowitziki was able to play under. Flashback to June 11, 1997...as Michael Jordan was ravaged by the flu, however he was able to score 38-points (15 in the last quarter) , and grab 7-rebounds, while leading the Bulls to a Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Jazz.

I not making a comparison...I was just reminded of MJ, watching Nowitizki play through a sinus infection, amongst numerous other ailments.

The history books will be rewritten by the time this matchup is said and done. Miami didn't have much of an identity late in the game, and Dallas was able to capitalize on that.

It's now a best of 3 scenario...so instead of making a prediction, I'm just going to sit back, and enjoy the next game, which I'm sure will prove to be on par with the other four.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann

The Takeover

"If Jeezy's paying LeBron, I'm paying Dwyane Wade..."


Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind


Game 3 is vital to any best of 7 series...especially when it's knotted at 1-1. This third match is what's usually called a "swing" game, as the winner will typically go on to win it all.


Momentum


Turnovers from Dallas led to Miami's signature transition fast break offense, while the Heat set the tone early with a superb 1st half from Dwyane Wade. There were however some lapses in their team defense, which allowed the Mavericks to make a strong 3rd quarter run, eventually tying the contest at 57, with 4:36 to go in the stanza...cutting a once 13-point deficit.


Mario Chalmers has been a constant thorn in the Mavs' side, with great play on both ends of the court along with some timely 3-point shots. 


There's a saying in sports that states, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. Tonight, Wade was consistent throughout, with 29-points, and 11-rebounds, giving the Heat an 88-86 win, and a 2-1 advantage. 


Miami did what they were supposed to do, and now the pressure is on Dallas to win at home, and get back in this matchup or face imminent elimination.


Game 4 is set for Tuesday, at 8:30pm EST.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ronald Martinez

Counterattack

"Legend in 2-games like I'm Pee Wee Kirkland..."


Pusha T - Grindin'


The Mavericks evened the series at 1, in a Game 2 that the Heat would like to soon forget.
At the conclusion of the first match, I wrote that the pressure would be on Miami to tighten up the series and go up 2-0, however the only thing the road team wants to do in these situations is to steal a game, and go back to their building with the home court advantage.


Never say Never


Despite 36-points, 5-rebounds, and 6-assists from Dwyane Wade, and 20-points with 8-rebounds from LeBron James...the Mavs were able to overcome the barrage and some costly turnovers for a 95-93 victory.


This proved to be a much more exciting game, as Dirk Nowitziki provided some late game heroics scoring all his team's points down the stretch. Shawn Marion and Jason Terry added 20 and 16-points respectively to keep Dallas within striking distance as the Heat surged to a double digit lead.


The game was sealed on a left-handed Nowitziki lay-up, nonetheless...the Mavericks won the rebounding battle, and out scored Miami's bench 23-11.


Sunday is the pivotal swing game, and just like before...the onus is on Miami to prove themselves and take charge.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The Return

"Really though I'm LeBron...really don't got my mind..."


J. Cole - Reflection Eternal


The Finals begin on Tuesday in south Florida...and this could prove to be one of the more evenly matched championships in recent years.


Tipping Point


The Mavericks and Heat  have similarities...from star power, to having dynamic duos...not too mention an undying hunger to be crowned NBA champions.


Before I can give my opinion on how I see things, I'd first like to tackle the distain that people have with LeBron Raymone James. Last summer, we all know that he decided to take his talents to south beach...well it appears that things have worked out nicely for the young man, and still the general public continues to show their displeasure.


I've heard it all, but at the end of the day James honored his contract with the Cavaliers, and he felt that he had to move on to capture a title. The NBA is a business, and one of it's top employees choose to play elsewhere. No harm, no foul...so let's move on.


As for the Finals, I believe this can easily go 6 or 7 games...due to the matchup problems each team offers. Dwyane Wade will be hampered with a troublesome shoulder, however he will play. Everyone is nursing some type of injury this time of year, and while the Dirk versus LeBron chatter will begin, it's the Dallas bench that could turn the tide in the series.


I don't want to give the trophy to one team or the other...I prefer to let the teams play, and give an analysis from there. If I had to choose...I'd say, advantage Dallas because of their depth, and rebounding.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann

45 Kings

"Still ballin' in the mix..."

Slim Thug - Still Tippin'

The Mavericks defeated the hapless Nets 96-87...last night for their 45th win on the year and 13th in a row.

Major Figures

There is a saying that states: slow and steady wins the race, and if that is the case then the Dallas Mavericks are on pace to go deep into the upcoming playoffs. Since the trade for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson...this squad has quietly gotten better, stronger, and faster.

Its never my practice to award a team or predict their future, however the Mavs are a legit threat to win it all. This group is better than the 2006 team that lost in the Finals to Miami...the reason is they are an experienced group of veterans featuring Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki, as they boast a solid bench with depth at numerous positions.

With injuries to Jason Terry, and Jose Juan Barea...others have stepped up like rookie Rodrigue Beaubois who is an all around talent...playing well at both ends of the floor.

Much has been made about Caron Butler and his preference to chew on McDonald's straws during games...however the bigger story is how the Mavs continue to win, putting the league's best teams on high alert.

There is a new kid on the block and if they are not given respect...they will gladly take it...and the win!

Photo: Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Captain America

Boricua

Anthony and Anthony

"Make 'em call you Carmelo..."

Lil' Wayne - Swagga Like Us

The 2003 NBA Draft class is as historic and legendary as the '84 and '96 group. The best of the best have emerged within the past 6 years to become superstars, and world champions.

Respect

I find the media very interesting sometimes, especially when it comes to professional sports. I have been writing and covering the league for several years and when I see a special player like Carmelo Anthony...I do my best to let his game and words do the talking, as I use that to tell my story. 

Less from me, and more from the athletes themselves.

Last night Melo hit the game winning 3-point shot, giving the Denver Nuggets a 3-0 lead over the stunned Dallas Mavericks. For the past two seasons Anthony has been playing on a high level, and instead of getting great press, and or endorsements...he is often left out of the great player conversation because of some off the court issues. 

We all make mistakes, and no one is perfect...Melo is a very dedicated father, and talented athlete...so let's all stick to the script and understand him for who he is, and not what he is perceived to be.